Hornets rookie forward Tidjane Salaun exited Thursday’s matchup against New York with a left ankle sprain in the first quarter, according to Hornets PR (Twitter link). He was ruled out for the rest of the game.
Salaun, the No. 6 overall pick in 2024, has established himself as part of the rotation. He’s averaging 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 19.7 minutes this season while appearing in 19 games and making seven starts.
With Miles Bridges injured and Grant Williams out for the season, Salaun’s role has increased as of late. He has started each of the past six games for the Hornets. Excluding Thursday’s game, Salaun averaged 8.4 points and 6.0 rebounds during his starts, including 31 total points in games against Miami and New York on Nov. 27 and 29.
The Hornets turned to several deep rotation pieces in Thursday’s game with several players dealing with injuries. All of LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, Williams and Bridges are hurt. Center Mark Williams recently returned from injury but isn’t playing his full workload yet. That leaves two-way guard KJ Simpson and deep reserves Seth Curry, DaQuan Jeffries and Nick Smith Jr. as options off the bench alongside Williams and Cody Martin.
Ankle sprains vary in recovery time, so we’ll have to wait and see what Salaun’s official timetable is. However, Suns star Kevin Durant suffered an ankle sprain on Tuesday and is out at least one week, so it’s safe to assume Salaun misses at least a few games. Lakers center Jaxson Hayes also suffered an ankle injury recently and is out two-to-three weeks. The Hornets play a back-to-back set on Sunday and Monday against Indiana and Chicago, then have a few days off before resuming their schedule on Dec. 13.
This kid has talent. Still very young. I see him as a 4 eventually. Has good size and athleticism. Good mechanics with his shot. Has good motor. He was a nice pick.
Knicks spanking Hornets. As They should be. Not a full squad. Precious is playing finally. Has to get in gm shape and get the chemistry down. Sure looks good out there. Great to have him back. NYK
Should have drafted Clingan, traded Williams and Smith Jr for a young PF and SG prospects along with letting Miles Bridges walk
F to the new management
KAT — 27 pts n 16 reb…. leads the L in rebs.
OG — 25 pts
Jalen —. 24 pts
Mikal —. 19 pts …. leads the L in mins played
“2WayBridges”
Hart — 18 pts …
Trade Bridges, Salaun and Nick Smith Jr to Houston for Jabari Smith Jr, A Thompson and Landale. Hornets promote their two way C MD
Tate added to the deal*